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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel uneasy about this school mum relationship…

141 replies

PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:06

DD really struggles to make friends, but I’m so delighted that she has now made a friend and her friend is amazing. I’ve had a few playdates, and I feel the Mum has latched on to me a bit.

Thing is, we share very different political views : and a few things have made me really squirm. E.g. we met a friend of mine when we were out, and there was a comment about : what country is she from (in a tone that made me feel uncomfortable. I just shut it down with ‘the UK’.

And I just feel pushed into things before I can say no. A trip away is being planned, and would involve me paying accommodation for all my family on something I otherwise wouldn’t have done. DH is staunchly Labour, and will really create an atmosphere if he comes and any ReformUK type views are expressed. I’m dreading taking him along, but feel weirdly guilty about saying maybe it’s best if he doesn’t come.

I don’t quite ‘get’ what is going on?? I accept that people are different, and think I can stand my ground - but I’m feeling pushed into things, and almost scared of saying/doing the wrong thing??

OP posts:
newusername2009 · 19/09/2024 18:36

Maria1979 · 19/09/2024 18:35

Well different opinions is one thing. Racism is another and most people would feel obliged to speak up against views like that which can lead to tensions/fights.

voting reform doesn’t make you racist!

Maria1979 · 19/09/2024 18:35

CheeryUser · 19/09/2024 18:32

I don’t understand why people seem unable to spend any time with people with different pilictical opinions to themselves. Labour and reform are both legitimate, legal parties we have the option to vote for. Do you need to discuss politics at every meal? Or do you think you need to actively hiss at each other if you pass in the street? My friendship group has a wide range of political leanings and we all manage to rub along ok.

Well different opinions is one thing. Racism is another and most people would feel obliged to speak up against views like that which can lead to tensions/fights.

CheeryUser · 19/09/2024 18:32

I don’t understand why people seem unable to spend any time with people with different pilictical opinions to themselves. Labour and reform are both legitimate, legal parties we have the option to vote for. Do you need to discuss politics at every meal? Or do you think you need to actively hiss at each other if you pass in the street? My friendship group has a wide range of political leanings and we all manage to rub along ok.

FumingTRex · 19/09/2024 18:30

I dont think asking what country someone is from automatically makes you a racist or reform UK voter? Perhaps makes you look a bit unworldly/ignorant if you are asking purely on the basis of their skin colour. But obviously dont be best mates with someone who you dont actually like.

GiddyRobin · 19/09/2024 18:25

Just say no, OP.

This wouldn't even be something I'd be debating with myself. I don't keep company with racists, and I don't let my children either.

PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:18

I’m due to meet the friend who made the comment next week. I think I’ll challenge the comment and say, whilst I like her for so many reasons - I can’t be around racism.

OP posts:
PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:16

I was fuming this week because my friend - that the comment was made about - is one of the loveliest people I know, and I would happily spend time with. And her children were with her, and then this comment was made.

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 19/09/2024 18:13

Don’t go on holiday with racists. It’s literally this and it’s not about politics it’s about racism, put your foot down.

PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:13

DD and her friend are amazing together and make each other very happy. I suck it up because they are genuinely wonderful friends.

OP posts:
BirthdayRainbow · 19/09/2024 18:11

Why are you letting your daughter spend time with people who don't share your values? You don't want to spend time with them and can't say no so why do you expect your dd to?

PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:11

@Makelikeatreeandleaf

In many ways I do like her, but the race thing makes me really very uncomfortable.

OP posts:
Pigeonqueen · 19/09/2024 18:11

Makelikeatreeandleaf · 19/09/2024 18:09

So there's a woman you don't particularly like, who has opposing views to you and you don't really want to hang out with her...so you are going to resolve this by taking your whole family on holiday with her whole family. Think that's actually a definition of madness.

This.

You have to learn to say no.

Josephinesnapoleon · 19/09/2024 18:10

That sounds like a you problem, I don’t understand either why you behave as you do. Maybe seek help?

Makelikeatreeandleaf · 19/09/2024 18:09

So there's a woman you don't particularly like, who has opposing views to you and you don't really want to hang out with her...so you are going to resolve this by taking your whole family on holiday with her whole family. Think that's actually a definition of madness.

PinkyPhonk · 19/09/2024 18:09

Without being outing, this particular thing is v v difficult to say no to for various reasons. It’s also hard because it’s really important that DD has a good friend.

OP posts:
Spenditlikebeckham · 19/09/2024 18:07

Surely as an adult the word no is in your vocabulary?